I recently experienced really bad anxiety just before xmas last year and was given cipramil by my GP.

I gradually stopped taking the drug about March because I didn't like the strong side-effects, felt constantly numb and detached from everything with bad headaches almost everyday.

Past few days I have felt my anxiety symptoms returning and felt quite panicky now:(

I really don't want to take powerful anti-depressants again as I can't handle the strong side effects.

Does anyone know of any natural or herbal remedies that reduce anxiety and stress levels, helping you to relax:help:

Googled this : http://www.1stchineseherbs.com/relora.htm

Kava - Kava is very good but i think you will find it has been withdrawn in syrup form. Holland and Barratts supplied the tablets recently. Very effective.:)

I have used kalms in periods of stress they seem to work for me could be worth a try.

get along to Wicker Herbal or Alton n James and buy 25gm passiflora herb, make it like tea, drink it before bed and you'll sleep better. In the day it'll calm you down, but avoid driving

Or you could make and appointment to see a herbalist - they'd be able to help you with a remedy for your specific requirements. Either one of the ones silverfish refers to should help you.

Good luck

can u practically get anything from holland and barrett?

Kava Kava had been withdrawn, Valarian can be calming, I would recommend getting herbs from either the Wicker herbalists or Somewhere like Specialist herbal supplies (also known as simmonds herbal) they are in Brighton. (google them) Personally I try and avoid H&B stuff as I don't think the quality is what is should be on many of their products. As mentioned, herbal teas can be very good. :)

I know it's not entirely legal and you might not get it at Holland & Barret, but marajuana tea is very relaxing, you only need a tiny amount per pot of tea.

agree with neeeeeeeeeek about the valarian ( herbal version of valium:thumbsup: ) you should be able to buy it loose from wicker herbals and cheaply to. make into a tea 1 teaspoon per cup let brew for a good 5-9 mins before straining and adding honey to taste :)

Thanks guys, will definitely give the herbal tea a try:thumbsup:

Is the Wicker Herbal shop the one opposite the Winter Gardens?

yep it is, let us no how you get on :thumbsup:

I bought some Kava Kava off of the internet. Seemed to work at first but I think my body may have got used to it. If you dont want to take prescribed medication why dont you try visiting a Homeopath. I went to one at a place called Wellforce which is on Wilkinson Street (number is under clinics in yellow pages) or look at their website. Drinking camomile, honey and vanilla tea seems to calm me down a bit too.

Talk to your employer and ask if they offer a Counselling Service to employees. I work for a local government and we had some info for counselling at a local hospital if we needed it. You are assessed first and referred if needed. Or failing that ask if your GP service has a counsellor. At the moment they are thin on the ground but with today's stresses and strains it's an option to have therapy as opposed to medication.

I have taken Valerian for sleeping problems and another mixture that a herbalist made for me as an alternative to anti-depressants. Both seemed to lose effectiveness after a few months, but sleeping remedies have always done that for me, whatever they may be. I would still recommend booking an appointment with a herbalist though. The one I went to see is a professional, lives on Burnside Avenue next to Meersbrook Park but can't remember her name?

Also, did the doctor give you beta-blockers like propranolol (sp?) - I was given that....didn't work for me (no surprises there) but has done for other people I know.

Originally posted by nick2
Googled this : http://www.1stchineseherbs.com/relora.htm

Thanks for posting this link, Nick2 - very useful and informative, cheers :thumbsup:

The Sunday Times' health pages have mentioned/recommended Relora from time to time, so it might be worth trying?

As suggested earlier in the thread, Valerian is supposed to help get you off to sleep.

StarSparkle

Originally posted by StarSparkle
Also, St John's Wort is often suggested as being of help with mild depression.


I have taken St Jonhs Wort and it does work though you have to be carefull not to take it for a long time, and to come off it gradually.

Most herbal remedies or Homopathic remedies are only taken for a short time.

I treat nearly everything this way.

For anxiety because there are so many differing forms you need to be more specific for the correct remedies.